Our Mission: To develop the social and community benefits of Deaf/Hard of Hearing participation at grassroots, club, national levels and potential athletes to take part in competitions at a competitive level.

__________________

Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 9am to 5.30pm Friday: 9am to 4pm __________________ Executive Committee: President: Kevin Lynch V-President: Gerald Dunne Secretary: Eoin Nolan Treasurer: Donal Desmond Connacht: Ann O’Neill Munster: John Heenan Leinster: Kevin Stanley Ulster: Michael Johnston

Inside this issue:

January 2013 Volume 2, Issue 1

E-Newsletter

President’s Message 2

Sport Development Officer 2

Deaflympics Reports3

Deaflympics Reports4

Call For Volunteers 4

Deaf Women’s Running 5

Fun Darts 5

Aqua Aerobics/swimming 5

Basketball for Schoolboys 5

First Aid Training 6

Inter–Pro Championships 6

New Membership Scheme 7

Fundraiser 8

Fun Basketball 9

Athletics For All 9

MDSC EGM 10

LDSC ARM 10

Kickstart 2 postponed 11

2013 Men’s Football & Ladies’

Basketball Inter Provincial

Championships

The Countdown to

Deaflympics Has Begun!!

At the beginning of the New Year, We are delighted to have an extra member of staff in our office. She is Lorelei Fox-Roberts. She will assist our DSI Administrator /Sport Development Officer with media and fund-raising. Though young, she has various experiences and skills in media and fund-raising with many different organisations. Welcome Lorelei and we hope you will enjoy working with us for the next six months. January was a great month for DSI, with members availing of various courses and activities, such as the Women's Running Camp on Saturdays, starting on the 12th, the Sports First-Aid course on the 26th and the Fun Darts day on the 13th. There is plenty for members to look forward to as we enter February too,

with the Women's Running Camp continuing until the 16th and Fun Basketball coming up on the 23rd. DSI will also be holding a Sports Table Quiz on the 21st of February in Slattery's Bar on Capel Street, Dublin 2. All of the profits of this will go towards sending the Irish Deaf team to the Deaflympics in Bulgaria, this July. Our 41st Annual Inter-Provincial Men Football Championship will take place in Belfast during the Easter Weekend on 29th – 31st March 2013, hosted by Ulster Deaf Sports Council. Full details to follow here. New perpetual trophies will have to be purchased or sponsored with the new DSI logo and title of DSI. Previous trophies were under the old name of IDSA and logo. Also in Belfast in the near future, our Annual 12th Ladies Inter-Provincial Basketball Tournament for Ladies will be played during the Easter Weekend. So we look forward to a great and entertaining Easter Weekend in Belfast as the host has promised us with an exciting programme that will keep us fully occupied for the two days. Also, we will have our DSI Annual General Meeting in Belfast. The feedback we got from the members availing of the Deaf Village Ireland Inspire sports activities was fantastic, we are delight-ed to report. There are so many different events running at the moment, in particular aqua aerobics, badminton, basketball etc. as well as other fun sports. It has been confirmed that the official opening of DVI will be on Monday 4th March 2013 and the Minister for Transport, Sports & Tourism, Mr. Leo Varadkar has been invited to officiate the Opening. The 22nd Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria is fast approaching now, so we are kept busy with planning our fund-raising programme for the coming months. We will need a lot of money to meet the high cost of sending our Irish teams to the Games.

Page 2

Administrator/Sport Development Officer

President’s Message

Hello!

I was expecting to have an easy month in January before getting busy in February but it turned out not to

be! The demands for activities from the Deaf Community are increasing and I visited Sofia in Bulgaria, for

the inspection of this summer’s Deaflympics with Chef de Mission, Sean Herlihy.

I am pleased to see that the Wednesday night swimming/aqua aerobics activity is becoming popular, with

an average of 30 attending since mid-January. DSI is also providing weekly aerobics classes to the Day

Centre members every Tuesday, plus other activities on Wednesday & Thursday with different groups. I want to thank Enda

Herron and Bernard McGlade from Inspire Fitness Centre for all their support.

As for the trip to Sofia, it was well worth going for the preparation for the Irish Deaflympics team. Sean and I were impressed with

the on-going plans from the Organising Committee of the Deaflympics, especially as they only had about 12 months in total to

organise the accommodation & venues! The full report is on page 3

DSI is pleased to have recently announced the new 2013 membership scheme, which is now in effect. DSI believe in continuing to improve the standard of benefits provided for our members and in order to do that, an annual membership fee is required. For more information about the memberships, go to page 7.

Lastly, DSI will be hosting the two big events in March, National Badminton & Inter Provincial Football / Basketball

Championships, where both take place in Ulster. I am looking forward to get involve with organising and to witness the

participation’s performance at both events. I would like to wish everyone good luck in the Championships.

Page 3

On the 12th-15th of January, Sports Development Officer for DSI, Paul Ryder and the Chef De Mission for Deaflympics, Sean Herlihy travelled to Bulgaria to check out the sports facilities, accommodation, venue and transportation, among other things, in advance of the 2013 Summer Deaflympics. Day 1; We landed in Sofia in the evening time and we were stunned to see the lands covered with snow! We met Sofiya Kalinova and the Organising Committee of the Deaflympics (OC) at the airport before they guided us to the Tennis grounds. The courts are located in the southeast of the city and they have six courts available for playing. Also, they have changing rooms and a café. After that we went to the Park Hotel Moskva where we stayed for two nights. Day 2;

We got up early in the morning for breakfast and met Sofiya & the OC before heading to the Badminton hall, which was only about five minutes’ drive from the Park Hotel. The hall is impressive and there will be 10 courts in use. There are seats available for participants and supporters and the café is located outside the hall. After that, we went to see the outdoor swimming pool. The location is half way between the Badminton & Tennis grounds. The pool was not open on that day due to the poor weather but

it looks impressive. At this stage, the OC is hoping the outdoor pool will be used and the ICSD is due to inspect the pool in February/March. If they are not satisfied, they have a plan B in place, which is the indoor swimming pool located right beside the outdoor pool. We then went for a long drive to Pravets, 60-70km away from Sofia where the football tournaments will be played. We visited the football grounds where they have 4 pitches and the pitches are located beside each other. They have 4 changing rooms and wifi access. We then went to the Hotel Rui, where the football team will be staying. We are very

impressed with the hotel, it could be the best hotel we have ever witnessed. Up to 32 different teams (24 men & 8 women) will be staying at the same hotel.

Deaflympics Inspection Reports by Paul Ryder & Sean Herlihy

Page 4

DSI is looking for people who would like to volunteer at our fundraising events throughout 2013!

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of helping the Irish Deaf team reach the Summer Deaflympics in Bulgaria, whilst also getting to know new people and be part of some exciting and fun events!

For more info on how to get involved, see the poster or contact:

Lorelei Fox-Roberts at communication@deafsportsireland.com

Deaflympics Inspection Reports cont.…

Call For Volunteers

Day 3; After our breakfast, we had a meeting with the OC to go through everything with them, including budgets, accommodations, venues, transportation etc. The meeting was positive and we will have an excellent relationship in the coming months. Before we were due to fly back home, we stopped at the Irish Embassy and met Ambassador John Rowan and Secretary Tom Redmond. Interestingly, Tom used to work in the Irish Embassy in Slovakia when the Winter Deaflympics were cancelled in 2011 and he raised questions about that. However, the meeting was excellent and we were given advice on the best approaches to take for the team & supporters. I would like to thank Sofiya, the OC and the Irish Embassy for their generous help for the 3 days and Sean, as with his great experience, we managed to get what we wanted from the inspection.

Page 5

Deaf Women’s Running Camp Gathers A Crowd

The Deaf Women’s Running Camp, led by fitness instructor Ciara Lennon got under way on Saturday the 12th of January and was very popular. There was a great attendance, with 18 women showing up!

This running camp will continue every Saturday until the 17th of February and hopefully continue after. It is free of charge. The session runs for 1- 1.5 hours and is ideal whether you are training for a race, trying to lose weight or just trying to keep fit.

This is a women’s only running session, aimed at beginners and people who want to increase their energy levels, improve their fitness or lose weight. This course was designed to suit everyone, whether you are training for your first race, or have never run be-fore. The class will consist of dynamic stretches, run training and core work.

Fun Darts is a Success

Deaf Sports Ireland hosted a Fun Darts day, on Sunday the 13th of January at Deaf Village Ireland.

The event was a huge success, with the 16 people who came along having a great time.

DSI’s Fun Darts is set to become a monthly event if it continues to be so popular! The dates will be confirmed in the coming days, why not come along and join in the fun.

New Aqua Aerobics & Swimming Classes

DSI has recently introduced the new Aqua Aerobics and Swimming classes for its members. The class runs from 8pm to 9.30pm every Wednesday .

The Aqua Aerobics class is held in the Inspire Fitness Centre, in Deaf Village Ireland, Cabra.

This new, fun way to get fit is open to all ages. There is a swim lesson from 8pm-9pm, followed by Aqua aerobics from 8.15pm-9pm.

Three Wednesday since the beginning of January, a group of approximately 22 boys have been getting a chance to have a little fun on the court, courtesy of Kris Bury.

Kris Bury has been coaching these school boys, starting with the basics and working their way up here in Deaf Village Ireland.

As well as a chance to have loads of fun and socialise this has been the first time many of these boys have experienced playing basketball and they definitely enjoyed themselves.

This was a great opportunity to get these boys involved in the sport and they were very enthusiastic about it!

A huge thanks to Kris Bury, not only for his great coaching, but also for travelling so far in order to come along each Wednesday!

Fun Basketball for Schoolboys

Page 6

Sports First-Aid Training Goes Down well

The course ran from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, the 26th of January and provided participants with an elementary understanding of the practical and theoretical information on basic life saving procedures to ensure the best patient care.

This course is suited to athletes, coaches, committees, players, supervisors and volunteers within Deaf Sport Regionals and Clubs. Everyone who attended seemed to find it very interesting and helpful.

Upon completion, a certificate of attendance, will be given, valid for two years, from Pulse Medical Ltd.

DSI is pleased to announce details of the 41st Deaf Men Football & 12th Basketball Inter Provincial Championships, which will be held in Belfast this year on the weekend of 29th – 31st March 2013. All of the facilities are top-class. Please note that the Men’s Football tournament will commence on the Friday night under floodlights at Crusaders superb Seaview Stadium. Accommodation The official hotel for this event is the fantastic 5* Hilton hotel (4 Lanyon place Belfast BT1 3LP). Working with UDSC and Belfast City Council, DSI has secured a great offer of half-price accommodation for players and officials. We can offer a special Bed and Breakfast deal of 54 euro per room per-night. This works out at €27 per person sharing which is remarkably cheap for 5* accommodation and breakfast. This offer can only be booked through DSI and payment must be made in advance. For further Details contact Paul Ryder (admin@deafsportsireland.com) or Donal Desmond (treasurer@deafsportsireland.com). The hotel is a 2 minute walk from Central train station (where trains arrive from Dublin) and there will be free transport from the hotel to the football pitches/basketball courts, all of which are within a five minute drive from the hotel. Free car-parking will be available a short distance from the hotel. Social Night The Gala dinner and awards night will take place Saturday 30th March at 8pm in the Hilton Hotel. Tickets for a 3 course meal cost £25 sterling / 28 euro. These must be purchased in advance as this event will be sold out. Tickets can be purchased from: Paul Ryder (admin@deafsportsireland.com), Donal Desmond (treasurer@deafsportsireland.com), Thomas Coyle

(thomascoyle@hotmail.co.uk) or Michael Johnston (kopite76@hotmail.com)

Schedule (subject to change)

2013 DSI Inter Provincial Championships in Belfast

Friday 29th March 2013:

Men’s Football Semi-Finals: At

Crusaders Seaview Stadium (BT15

3QG)

Ulster v Munster at 7.00pm

Leinster v Connacht at 8.30pm

Saturday 30th March 2013:

Men’s Football: 3rd/4th Play-off at

Blanchflower Stadium (BT4 1SJ) at

12.30pm

Ladies Basketball Championships: At

Queens University PEC (BT9 5EX)

2.30pm – 5pm (Draw will be made on

the day)

Men’s Football Final: Crusaders at

Seaview Stadium (BT15 3QG) at 6pm

Sunday 31st March 2013

12pm – 1.30pm International Football

Meeting/Training

2pm – 4pm Deaf Sports Ireland AGM

Gala Dinner and Awards Night at 5* Hilton Hotel Belfast (BT1 3LP)

8pm – Late (admission by ticket only)

Page 7

New 2013 Membership Scheme

Deaf Sports Ireland is pleased to announce the new 2013 memberships scheme, which is now in effect. The new membership system is working really well since it was announced in August/September 2012 and our members have been enjoying the benefits of member-ship. We’re keen to improve the benefits provided to existing and new members in 2013.

Please note, the Executive Committee approved that all individuals who are registered with Deaf Sports Ireland will also be a member of their Regional Councils. With only one fee being paid- to Deaf Sports Ireland. The money that Deaf Sports Ireland receives through

membership, will be spent on development plans for Participants, Regional Councils and Deaf sports clubs.

New membership structure – DSI now offers several types of memberships:

The annual cost of membership is:

If you pay to renew/join between 1st of January to 30th April, it will cost €20 or £15 for the duration of 2013.

If you do not renew/join before the 30th April it will increase to €25 or £20 for membership, which will run until the 31st of December 2013.

Under 16s (born from 1st January 1997): Free (Application must be made by parent or guardian)

List of Benefits:

DSI Membership Card: Al individuals who are registered with DSI will receive membership cards. These will be posted to the address provided when members first registered.

Information: Members have priority in receiving electronic newsletters. Members will also receive text messages with the latest breaking news and other info, such as annual reports, accounts and events.

Match tickets: Occasionally DSI sell tickets for Ireland soccer and rugby matches held in the Aviva Stadium– Priority will be given to members.

Events: A discounted fee will apply to members for events or activities that DSI promotes.

Insurance: All DSI registered members are covered under a public liability, personal accident and professional indemnity insurance policy.

Training: Members will receive priority and discounts into the courses that DSI provides, such as Basic Child Protection Awareness, First Aid, Level Coaching (e.g: Football, Basketball)

Workshops: Members will have a chance to participate in special interest groups, for a and surveys to discuss issues that matter to you.

Inspire Fitness Centre Cabra: If you become a member of DSI, you will be eligible for a special membership rate for the gym & swimming at DVI for just €150 per year. Annual membership is normally €489.

Competitions: DSI members will be selected from their sports discipline (Nationals and Inter-Provincials) to represent Ireland in International competitions.

Regional Council: All individuals who are registered with DSI will be members of their regional Councils and be eligible to vote at the ARM.

Note:

While DSI will endeavour to administer and process the scheme in a fair manner, it may be necessary for DSI to scrutinise the validity of an associate application for this scheme. Where doubt arises, it may be necessary for associates to provide acceptable verification to DSI before admission to this scheme. It is in order to protect the unique associates and prevent probable abuse and fraudulent application. DSI wish to maintain and uphold the integrity of the associate Membership Scheme. In this case, ‘Associate’ refers to the Child/Children Of a Deaf Adult (CODA), Parent of a Deaf Child and Hearing.

For the purposes of becoming an IFCC Member, CODA are eligible to join but for the Parent of a Deaf Child and Hearing it will be subject to approval by DSI.

For a membership form, contact Paul

at: admin@deafsportsireland.com

Please note, if you joined DSI for free towards the end of last year, you will receive a membership form asking you to continue your mem-bership within the next few

days.

The deadline to pay €20 is on 28

th February 2013 if you

wish to continue receiving

the DSI benefits.

Page 8

Fundraising Table Quiz

Get ready to wow people in the general knowledge rounds...DSI are hosting a fundraising table

quiz on the 21st of February to raise funds to send the Irish Deaflympics Teams to the Summer

Games in Bulgaria, this July.

Page 9

Fun Basketball

DSI is pleased to announce that Fun Basketball will be running in Deaf Village Ireland on Saturday the 23rd of February. It is open to adults and children of any level. There will be a session especially for 6-12 year olds.

DSI Basketball TD, Kris Bury, is organise fun activities include highest point score, relay games, a fun match & more. There will be a slot from 1-3pm and 3.45 to 5pm for adults and a fun session for 6-12 year olds rom 3 to 3.45pm.

To find out more, see the poster!! Or contact Paul Ryder on: 087 1349877 (by text) or at admin@deafsportsireland.com

Athletics For All

Cavan Sports Partnership and Athletics Ireland have come together to run a six week programme aimed at young people between the ages of 5 and 14 with a disability and their siblings:

Athletics For All begins on Wed the 6th of February and runs weekly from 6pm-7pm until Wed the 13th of March.

The cost of the course is €15 per child.

Places are limited, so to book now contact Cavan Sports Partnership on (049)

4378582 or email info@cavansportspartnership.com:

Munster Deaf Sports Council EGM

Leinster Deaf Sports Council ARM

Munster Deaf Sports Council

Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

Will be held at

Deaf Village Ireland

Ratoath Road, Dublin 7

On

23rd of February 2013

At 4pm

Page 10

Kickstart 2 postponed until April

Unfortunately, February’s Kickstart 2 course has been postponed due to a lack of numbers.

The course was due to run from the 8th-10th of February. Instead, it will run from Friday the 26th of April to Sunday the 28th.

The cost is €55 for DSI members and €75 for non-members.

If you are interested in taking part in the course, or for more info,

contact Paul Ryder by text on 087 1349877 or at admin@deafsportsireland.com

Page 11